A decade later (!): Goatchurch The Movie

cap n chris

Well-known member
This autumn is a decade since the spoof expedition docudrama Goatchurch Cavern: The Movie was made by chums Kev Speight, Bruce Blagden and me; it was mostly an exercise in tongue in cheek humour, heavily based on a film by international rock climbing God, Matt Helliker (Moonflower) from which much of the narrative was plagiarised, combined with a journey of discovery in film editing techniques using Sony Vegas software at the time, plus a dual comedic translation into irreverant and dubious Spanish. Having worked many years leading groups into the novice cave of Goatchurch it struck home that no-one had ever done a multi-day expedition there, nor used SRT techniques and overnight camps. Obviously it had to be done. It is in two parts, and to this day surprises me that the 2nd part isn't as watched as the 1st, since the latter contains more gnarly footage. Bruce sadly passed away many years ago, aged 42, so this film is testament to his friendship, can-do-ness and rope skills/bonhomie. First part and second part links below:


Apparently the film does occasionally feature in the Fresher/Uni Club world but I have no idea what kind of audience it gains but would dearly love to know whether people enjoy it and/or show it to anyone in a social setting. It was something of a labour of love, taking in excess of 60 hours editing time, blatant foley augmentations and a lovely (paid for) narrative soundtrack.
 

Keris82

Member
I remember some newbies joining one of our clubs saying they were going to goatchurch and how dangerous it is with huge pitches etc. They said they had watched your video and didn't believe us when we said it was a joke! 😂
 

tommyboyblitz

New member
Hello, New to all this. My dad told me stories when i was young about caving at goatchurch, him and his brother, my uncle, had a motorcycle helmet and a builders helmet and went years ago.

I just wondered if i can go with a couple of friends, in appropriate gear, and go caving at goatchurch? Or do i need to book with a proper company? Not sure how it all works these days.

Cheers
 

tommyboyblitz

New member
You can certainly visit, but will likely get more out of it if you go with someone who knows the way.
Possibly, to be perfectly fair i am sick and tired of going everywhwere i go and being lead around like a sheep. I want to explore. I think the freedom would be nice for a change.
 

Speleofish

Active member
You can have a wonderful half day in Goatchurch if you take a decent description and try to find every bit (though I'd avoid the narrow extensions beyond the Drainpipe unless you're thin, confident and fairly experienced). If you've got any time left over, Sidcot Swallet is also fun - I don't think it's worth a special trip but it makes a good add-on.
 

tommyboyblitz

New member
You can have a wonderful half day in Goatchurch if you take a decent description and try to find every bit (though I'd avoid the narrow extensions beyond the Drainpipe unless you're thin, confident and fairly experienced). If you've got any time left over, Sidcot Swallet is also fun - I don't think it's worth a special trip but it makes a good add-on.

Thanks, well were in essex so would hopefully make a good day of it and try both if we have time.
 
Top